The Impact of Exercise Consultation on Activity Levels and Metabolic Markers in Obese Adolescents: A Pilot Study

Objective. To assess the impact of exercise consultation on physical activity (PA) levels, anthropometric measures, and metabolic markers in obese adolescents. Methods. Obese adolescents (14-18 years) were randomized to either an exercise consultation (intervention group) or to review "Canada's Physical Activity Guide for Youth" (control group). Outcomes, including accelerometry, anthropometrics, blood pressure, stage of exercise behavior change, fasting glucose, insulin, and lipids, were measured at baseline and 3 months later. Results. Thirty adolescents (mean BMI = 36.1 kg/m(2); SD = 6.9) completed the study. At follow-up, the intervention group had significantly greater PA compared with controls (P < .05). Similarly, the intervention group weighed an average 2.6 kg less than the control group (P < .05), with a mean BMI z-score of 2.15 compared to 2.21 for controls (P = .054). No other differences were noted. Conclusion. Exercise consultation may be a simple approach to increase PA levels, reduce weight, and lower BMI in obese adolescents.